A girl steps onto the basketball court for her first big game. The gym is loud, the lights feel too bright, and her hands shake as she grips the ball.

She's practiced for weeks, but suddenly she doubts herself: "What if I miss?" Moments like these show that talent alone isn't enough.

For kids and teens in sports, confidence often decides whether they rise to the challenge or shrink away from it. The good news is that confidence isn't fixed—it can be built step by step.

Why confidence matters in sports

Confidence isn't just about feeling good; it directly shapes performance. A confident athlete takes the shot, serves the ball, or dives for the save without hesitation. Doubt, on the other hand, makes players second-guess themselves, leading to mistakes.

For young athletes, confidence also affects whether they stick with a sport long term. A child who constantly feels unsure may quit, while one who feels capable is more likely to keep playing and improving. Helping kids build this inner strength is one of the most valuable things parents and coaches can do.

Focus on progress, not perfection

Perfection is the enemy of confidence. When kids think they must perform flawlessly, they set themselves up for disappointment. Instead, shift the focus to progress. Celebrate the small wins—running faster than last week, nailing a new skill, or simply giving their best effort in practice.

1. Track improvements – Keep a simple log where kids can see their times, scores, or skills improving.

2. Set realistic goals – Break big goals into smaller, achievable steps.

3. Celebrate effort – Praise the hard work, not just the outcome.

By showing kids that growth happens in increments, you teach them that mistakes are part of the journey, not signs of failure.

Encourage a positive inner voice

What athletes tell themselves matters as much as what anyone else says. A young runner repeating, "I'm too slow," will likely perform poorly, while one who says, "I can do this," sets themselves up for success.

Parents and coaches can model this by speaking positively. Instead of pointing out only what went wrong, highlight what went right. Over time, kids start to adopt this supportive inner dialogue themselves. Simple phrases like "I'm getting stronger" or "I've done this before" can replace negative self-talk during stressful moments.

Practice under pressure

Confidence grows when athletes know they can handle real-game situations. If a child only practices casually, the pressure of competition may overwhelm them. Coaches can help by recreating game-like scenarios in practice—countdowns, scorekeeping, or small crowds watching.

The more kids experience pressure in a safe setting, the less intimidating it feels later. When the real game arrives, they'll think, "I've been here before." That familiarity is a powerful confidence booster.

Supportive coaching and parenting

Nothing destroys confidence faster than constant criticism. Kids need honest feedback, but it should be constructive. Instead of "You always miss that shot," a coach might say, "Your form is improving—try adjusting your follow-through next time."

Parents can help by focusing on the bigger picture. After a tough game, avoid dwelling on mistakes. Instead, ask questions like, "What did you enjoy most today?" or "What's one thing you want to try differently next time?" These conversations remind kids that sports are about growth and enjoyment, not perfection.

Let them take ownership

Confidence comes from feeling in control. Give young athletes a voice in their training. Ask what drills they enjoy, what goals they'd like to set, or how they feel after games. When kids feel like active participants rather than passengers, they develop a stronger sense of responsibility—and with it, confidence.

1. Involve them in decisions – From choosing warm-up music to setting weekly goals.

2. Encourage reflection – Have them share what they learned from each practice.

3. Promote independence – Let them handle small responsibilities, like packing their own gear.

These small steps teach athletes that they can trust themselves.

Balance challenge with fun

Confidence thrives in an environment where hard work and joy go hand in hand. If every practice feels like a grind, kids may start associating sports with stress. Mixing in fun activities—friendly competitions, creative drills, or even just music during warm-ups—reminds athletes why they started playing in the first place.

Fun doesn't mean less serious training; it means creating a space where kids want to show up, which in turn makes them more willing to push through challenges.

The long-term impact

A child who learns to believe in themselves on the field carries that lesson everywhere. The courage to take a shot in basketball often translates into the courage to raise a hand in class or try out for a school play. Sports become not just about fitness or skills, but about shaping confident, resilient young people.

When that girl steps onto the court again, her hands may still shake—but now she knows it's normal. She takes a deep breath, trusts the work she's put in, and makes her move. That's the heart of confidence: not feeling nervous, but having the belief to act anyway. And that's a gift young athletes can carry with them for life.